Police Officers Deliver Valentine's To Seniors

GURNEE, IL — After soliciting help from the community to make Valentine's Day cards for local long-term care facility residents, the Gurnee Police Department was overwhelmed by the response they received.

In total, local daycare facilities, schools and residents provided 3,000 Valentine's Day cards, which were then delivered to the 600 residents at long-term care facilities in town, authorities said Thursday.

In addition, teddy bears and candy, which were donated by Gurnee Vice Mayor Tom Hood, and balloon arrangements, donated by Party Remedies in Gurnee, were brought to the facilities — many of which have been on lockdown and not allowing visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The gifts went to a population that's been among the most vulnerable to developing serious conditions, or dying, from the virus. In an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, elderly residents at the facilities have had little interaction with family and friends, leaving many feeling isolated and alone.

With hopes of doing its part to fill that "social void," the Gurnee Police Department launched a new program, which they are calling Give a Valentine To a Senior, and asked the community over social media to help craft Valentine's, supply cards or write warm sentiments that could be handed out to every residents living at a long-term care facility in town.

"The response was overwhelming," authorities said in a statement. The police department received Valentine's cards from local child care centers, schools, residents, Girl Scout troops, businesses and other followers of their social media page—some as far away as Colorado.

On Thursday, Gurnee Police Department employees and Hood delivered the cards to each Gurnee facility. Although they could not personally meet with residents this year, the staff at each facility welcomed the delivery of Valentine's, teddy bears, candy, and balloons, according to the statement from Gurnee police.

"This program is an opportunity for the village of Gurnee and the police department to connect with an indispensable group within our community during a time when gathering in person is not possible," said Gurnee Police Chief Brian Smith. "The immense response from our community shows the compassion that lives within Gurnee. It brought our community together in a socially distant climate."